Sam

 

Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett is a systems change leader. focused on enabling regeneration in reality by shifting relationships, incentives, and decisions across landscapes and value chains.

Previously, as Head of Sustainability – Global Grower & Supply Chain at Zespri International, Samantha facilitated new collaborative models between grower and packhouse businesses, identifying and validating scalable models for removals from carbon-certified biochar and tree planting, and investment in post-harvest decarbonisation. She actively removed barriers to behaviour change, developing an orchard emissions calculator and the first industry-wide electrification pathway, shifting decision-making through accessible data and aligned incentives. Her leadership on shipping led to investment from global partners in new fuels and infrastructure to support decarbonised shipping routes.

At Circularity, Samantha led the first measurement of circular solutions in New Zealand using the Circular Transition Indicator (CTI) Tool. She co-developed Re:Plastics and XLabs Circular Economy Programmes, working across sectors to advance regenerative outcomes through systems design, strategy, and impact. She also created 999 Days of Sharing Circular Solutions, connecting businesses to over 200 circular solutions.

Earlier, at T&G Global, she led the partnership to create New Zealand’s first scaled anaerobic digestion plant for organic waste and renewable energy. She pioneered the first Sustainability-Linked Loan in horticulture and co-founded Fairgrow, addressing food insecurity and waste.

In 2022, Samantha received the ‘Change Maker’ award at the New Zealand Sustainable Business Awards. She contributes to Circularity, Future Whenua, is on the board of Future Farmers, and previously served as Chair of Sustainable Coastlines.

She holds a BSci (First Class Honours) in Botany and a BAppSci in Environmental Management from the University of Otago.